Why can't I reverse uphill??

[vetteobsession]

I'm new to the forum, so if I post this in the wrong place, I'm sorry. I did a search but didn't see anything related to my problem. I'm the new owner of a 2002 Ford Explorer, and I love it. Only one problem.. During the test drive, everything was great - but I didn't have to reverse uphill. My driveway is probably 50 ft long or so, and when you pull in, you go slightly downhill.. meaning when I back out I back uphill. That's where the problem comes in. It just won't move. It will go maybe 2 or 3 ft then stop moving. No real jerks or noises or anything. I have to put it in park then reverse over and over to finally get backed out. It doesn't happen at all on flat ground and all the gears shift just fine. Same thing happened when I was parked at the curb at a downtown restaurant. The curb was pointed slightly downhill, so I had to back uphill to leave. This is going to be really inconvenient and I need some kind of idea of what it might be. I sold my truck (2008 chevy colorado crew cab) which was my baby in order to pay off all my debt before I move out of state in a few months, and I paid cash for the explorer with what was left, so I don't have much to spend on this problem. Any ideas??? Thanks so much for any help!

 

[snoranger]

Did you check the trans fluid yet?

 

[vetteobsession]

Did you check the trans fluid yet?

No, from what I understand, in the 02 and up explorers there is no dipstick to check, and I don't have the tools or know-how to do it myself directly from the transmission. Thought I'd try to get some idea of what it may be before I take it to the shop so I don't sound completely clueless. I'm not very mechanically inclined at all, except for the body/interior/electrical stuff.

 

[PopRichie77]

When you back up on a hill it requires more torque, sounds like the reverse band maybe slipping.
It could be caused by low fluid. If it is low on fluid continuing to try to back up will ruin the reverse band.